Jacqui McDonald, Chantelle Moloney, Louise Brown and Jess Brereton have left the club, while work commitments have forced Bianca Heaphy out of the A grade side, leaving just four players from the 2016 premiership tilt.

But new coach Cloe Pulling, in her second year at the club, said the remaining quartet and the Tigers’ recruits had improved on one key area as they look to again contend for a finals berth this season.

“I think this year we’re a lot more versatile than last year,” she said.

The Tigers had a number of players who could slot through different positions last year, but their reliance on one player in a few key spots was thrown into sharp focus in the grand final, when injuries and illness derailed their ambitions.

“This year, everyone can play at least two or three positions, and that’s handy for us,” Pulling said.

“We’re definitely aiming for finals, that’s for sure, but we’ll take each week as it comes.”

Arrivals

Tanaya Harradine (East Warrnambool), Natasha Folkes (Nirranda), Sarah Porter (returning), Olivia Darcy (Terang Mortlake)

Departures

Jacqui McDonald (moved to Geelong), Chantelle Moloney (Warrnambool), Louise Brown (basketball commitments), Jess Brereton (Koroit)

Prediction

Susie Giese says: There will be intrigue around the new-look Tigers this season, but there's no doubting they have the versatility and skill to again be a contender. As much as any team, they will have a plan A, B, C and D, and their adaptability could well be their greatest strength.